A River Expedition to Amplify Amazon Voices at COP30
As the world prepares for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, a unique initiative is underway: the Iaraçu Caravan. This ambitious project, a collaborative effort between French and Brazilian institutions, is navigating the Amazon River to connect with local communities and bring their perspectives to the forefront of global climate discussions. The expedition, which began in Manaus in late November 2025, aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and the lived experiences of those most affected by climate change in the Amazon basin, and beyond.
The Iaraçu Caravan isn’t simply a scientific voyage; it’s a deliberate attempt to center the voices of Indigenous populations, riverside communities, and local experts in the COP30 dialogue. Inspired by the shared commitment of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron to prioritize local engagement at the climate conference, the project seeks to ensure that climate action is rooted in the realities of those who depend on the Amazon rainforest. The initiative underscores a growing recognition that effective climate solutions require genuine partnership and knowledge exchange between scientists and the communities they aim to serve.
The journey, undertaken aboard the “Don Giuseppe,” a three-deck vessel, covers a 25-day route from Santarém to Belém, with stops in Manaus, Itacoatiara, Parintins, Óbidos, Monte Alegre, Almeirim, Prainha, and Breves. The €210,000 project, equally funded by French and Brazilian entities, involves a 20-person team of researchers from Brazil, France, Colombia, Canada, and Senegal. This international collaboration highlights the global importance of the Amazon rainforest and the need for a unified approach to its preservation.
Bridging Science and Local Knowledge
The core mission of the Iaraçu Caravan is to facilitate a two-way exchange of knowledge. Researchers onboard are engaging in discussions on critical topics including health, urban development, forests, rivers, climate change, and oceans. Simultaneously, they are visiting local universities and meeting with fishers, students, and riverside families to listen to their concerns, document their traditional ecological knowledge, and understand the impacts of climate change on their lives. This approach recognizes that local communities possess invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of the Amazon ecosystem and are often at the forefront of developing innovative adaptation strategies.
Abdel Sifeddine, a French-Moroccan geologist and the driving force behind the Iaraçu Caravan, is known among Brazilian researchers as “the most Carioca of the French.” He conceived the idea during a trip from Brasília to Belém, recognizing the need to bring scientific expertise directly to the people of the Amazon. The project embodies the spirit of Brazil’s COP30 presidency – climate action, international cooperation, and a deep connection with local societies. The Iaraçu Caravan aims to demonstrate that meaningful climate solutions are not imposed from above, but rather co-created with those who are most directly affected.
The Amazon rainforest, spanning approximately 4 million square kilometers across nine countries, is a vital global resource. Its immense scale – equivalent to the land area of Europe – and exceptional biodiversity, home to nearly 120,000 animal species and over 40,000 plant species, underscore its ecological significance. However, the rainforest is facing unprecedented threats from deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable development practices. The Iaraçu Caravan’s focus extends beyond the Amazon, recognizing the interconnectedness of tropical forests globally, including those in the Congo Basin and Southeast Asia.
A Collaborative Effort for Forest Preservation
The Iaraçu Caravan is a product of collaboration between several key institutions. The Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), a French research organization dedicated to international development, played a central role in organizing the expedition. The IRD’s involvement reflects France’s commitment to supporting scientific research and sustainable development in the Amazon region. The French Embassy in Brazil and the Franco-Brazilian Centre for Biodiversity in Amazonia as well contributed significantly to the project’s success.
Onboard the caravan are a diverse group of experts, including Laurent Durieux, a geographer and coordinator of the IRD’s One Forest vision initiative; Raphaël Tshimanga Muamba, a professor of hydrology at the University of Kinshasa and co-president of the Science for the Congo Basin initiative; Nicolas Barbier, a research director at the IRD specializing in tropical ecology; Géraldine Derroire, an ecologist at the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique (CIRAD) specializing in tropical forests; Claudio Almeida, coordinator of the Amazon and other Brazilian ecosystem monitoring program at the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE); and Jean-Michel Martinez, a research director at the IRD specializing in hydrology and remote sensing. Their combined expertise represents a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the challenges facing tropical forests.
The expedition’s findings and insights will be shared at COP30, providing policymakers and stakeholders with valuable information to inform climate action strategies. The Iaraçu Caravan serves as a model for how scientific research can be effectively integrated with local knowledge to promote sustainable development and protect vital ecosystems. The project’s emphasis on dialogue and collaboration underscores the importance of building trust and fostering partnerships between scientists, communities, and governments.
The Importance of Indigenous Knowledge
A crucial aspect of the Iaraçu Caravan is its recognition of the profound ecological knowledge held by Indigenous communities. For generations, these communities have lived in harmony with the Amazon rainforest, developing sustainable practices and a deep understanding of its complex ecosystems. Their traditional knowledge is invaluable for developing effective conservation strategies and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The caravan’s engagement with local communities aims to document and preserve this knowledge, ensuring that This proves incorporated into climate policy and decision-making processes.
The expedition’s journey along the Amazon River provides a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing the region. From the bustling city of Manaus to the remote riverside villages, the Iaraçu Caravan is fostering a dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences. The project’s success hinges on its ability to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized in global climate discussions, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and valued.
The Iaraçu Caravan’s journey concluded with its arrival in Belém, the host city of COP30, on February 19, 2026, as reported by Radio France Internationale. RFI’s coverage highlights the expedition’s success in bringing together scientists and local communities to discuss strategies for preserving the Amazon and other vital tropical forests.
The initiative also received support from the Brazilian government, as highlighted in a report by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). The CNPq report emphasizes the importance of the Iaraçu Caravan as an innovative project that strengthens the ties between science, society, and public policy.
As COP30 approaches, the Iaraçu Caravan stands as a powerful example of how collaborative research and community engagement can drive meaningful climate action. The insights gathered during the expedition will undoubtedly inform the discussions in Belém, contributing to a more inclusive and effective approach to protecting the Amazon rainforest and the planet.
The next key event will be the commencement of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. The outcomes of this conference will be crucial in shaping global climate policy for years to come. We encourage you to share this article and join the conversation about the importance of protecting our planet’s vital ecosystems.
